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Mark Moore - Mantra StudioJuly 2003 Shortly before the 2003 festival CK interviewed Mark Moore about the Mantra Tattoo Festival, the future, his thank-you's and his personal life. What is the inspiration behind the Mantra Tattoo Festival?Personally I feel the inspiration behind the Mantra Festival was the fact that we in the UK have needed a show that not only combines a number of the world's best tattoo artists, but also an array of entertainment that could warrant the title one of the best shows in Europe. We felt that as the industry has grown so much over the last few years, it was time for someone to put their money where their mouth is. Consequently, we wanted to put on a show that could keep the general public amused, amazed and after a whole weekend of constant entertainment, leaving the venue on the Sunday evening wanting more of what they have just witnessed. After the incredible success of last years show I know the job has been done, and done well. But this is just the start.......watch this space. Where are you hoping this achievement will take Mantra in the future?I am hoping that as last year was so successful and already having been amazed at the response for this years show, that Mantra will not only continue to be billed as one of the finest shows in Europe, but as it gains momentum I can see the show being billed as one of the biggest, and best, tattoo-orientated shows in the world. What names/entertainment would you like to obtain in future festivals and why?As far as the growth of the event goes the artist side of things more or less takes care of itself, as the big names in our trade have already taken notice of what a fantastic show has been created here, word spreads and we will add more and more of the worlds finest artist's. Names that spring to mind are Filip Leu, Ed Hardy, Paul Booth, Arron Cain and so on; all of these being among my personal favourites. As far as entertainment goes, on a personal level I would love to see The Prodigy at next year's event. With a six thousand capacity venue being added to what we already use, this is not out of reach, it is a very real possibility!!!! Other acts I would like to see added to the line up over the next few years include The Offspring, Manic Street Preachers and one of my personal favourites Green Day. All aspects of the show will grow and no stone will be left unturned in the aim to turn the show into a world- recognised event. Obviously people this is not the work of one man, who has helped you along the way and what special thanks do you give and why?My special thanks would start obviously with my parents, my mother for constant love and support and my father for the same and also bringing me into the world of tattooing which I love, giving me the chance to express my desire and dreams to organise one of the worlds biggest events of its kind. I would also thank my good friend Micky Sharpz for believing in the dream. Thanks would also go to all the guys in the studio for putting up with the constant pressure and moaning when things get tough. Thanks go to Cher for all the constant encouragement and Buddy for being my best friend. Thanks also go to Mandy and Pete, Peter Allison and crew, Rob Bowdry, Danny Arkin, Fido, Edward Gillespie, David Vosper, Sarah Street, Derek and Isla Campbell, Scooby Pete and Lisa, Luke Atkinson, Pili Mo'o, Val Billingham, John at joshuaink.com, Thom, Allison walker and all the guys and girls who helped at 2002, If I have forgotten anybody I am sorry, there are just too many to mention. Being exceptionally busy guys with the show, what do you get up to in your spare time?In my the little bit of spare time I get, I enjoy the quite life, I like fine restaurants, long walks with Buddy (my dog), fine wines and spending quality time with my partner Cher. To be honest, the quieter the better, as my life with the studio and the show is very, very busy! |